Soulution 717 Monoblock Power Amplifier: A Milestone in Audio Transparency

Experience unmatched clarity and realism with the Soulution 717 monoblock amplifier, redefining solid-state sound with revolutionary design and musicality.

A Journey Through Hi-Fi History

I still vividly recall the first time I encountered a Soulution 710 amplifier—way back in 2010. The experience was nothing short of magical. Over the years, I've auditioned countless audio components, but only a handful have fooled me into thinking I wasn’t listening to speakers and electronics at all.

One of those rare moments came decades ago, when I heard the Magneplanar I-U speakers paired with Audio Research electronics. The sound was so strikingly real that I was convinced the grand piano was actually playing live behind those “decorative screens” — which, of course, were the speakers themselves. Fast forward to about a year before 2010, I found myself immersed in Steve Hoffman's remastering of Joni Mitchell's Blue, experiencing the mix so intimately that it felt like I was perched inside the mastering suite, right alongside the engineer. These moments stripped away the usual barriers of hi-fi, leaving only pure music.

The Soulution 710 was right in that league—a piece of equipment so transparent, it became nearly invisible to the listener, letting the music speak for itself without any coloration or distraction.

The Soulution 710 and Its Radical Design

The mastermind behind the 710 was Cyrill Hammer, founder of Swiss high-end audio company Soulution amplifier brand, alongside the late Christoph Schürmann, formerly with German high-end specialist Audiolabor. After investing over five years refining their circuitry, they achieved something extraordinary.

Back then, I noted that the 710 was neither warm nor cold, neither fat nor lean, neither sweet nor sour— it simply wasn’t. It didn't impose any sonic personality on the music. With transparent speakers and sources, the amplifier’s own presence vanished, revealing a purity that few solid-state or tube amplifiers could match.

Ultra-High Bandwidth: The Science of Disappearing Electronics

How did Cyrill pull off this disappearing act? The key lies in the amplifier’s ultra-high bandwidth circuitry. The 710 boasted an astonishing 2MHz bandwidth, far beyond typical amplifiers.

Why is this crucial? High bandwidth ensures feedback loops function without timing errors, keeping propagation delays down to mere nanoseconds. This allows Soulution amplifiers to use hefty amounts of negative feedback without introducing distortion—a feat that delivers breathtaking clarity and realism.

The Price of Extreme Transparency

Of course, such blistering transparency wasn’t for everyone. The 710 exposed every recording flaw and mechanical noise, leaving no stone unturned. While audiophiles thrilled at this honesty, some felt it lacked warmth or musical indulgence.

Think of it like glass—what passes through is reflected faithfully, for better or worse. For many, it was the ultimate fidelity tool; for others, it was clinical and unforgiving.

The Soulution 711: Warmth Joins the Party

Five years later, the Soulution 711 arrived with a clever transformation under the hood but identical chassis outside. The switch from transformer-based power supplies to fully regulated switch-mode power supplies (SMPS) brought:

• Cleaner, more stable power delivery
• Fanless operation for silent cooling
• Reduced electrical interference
• Shorter, more optimized signal paths
• Massive peak current delivery up to 120A

Sonically, the 711 ushered in warmth, richness, and dimensionality without sacrificing the 710’s renowned detail. Bass became fuller, imaging tightened, and the tonal balance shifted to a darker, more musical palette.

From Detail to Musical Wholeness

While the 710 excelled in exposing minutiae, the 711 sought musical cohesion. It turned the Soulution flagship amplifier into a more holistic listening experience, blending pinpoint accuracy with emotional engagement.

A Decade Later: The Soulution 717 Redefines the Game

Now, the Soulution 717 isn’t just another model—it’s a complete reinvention. Every circuit and component was reimagined for peak performance.

Key innovations include:

• Fully separated stereo channels with 14-layer PCB construction
• A new input stage boasting wider bandwidth and ultra-low noise
• Enhanced feedback networks minimizing phase shifts
• An upgraded Class AB output stage operating largely in Class A
• Advanced SMPS delivering staggering current capabilities

The 717 is a technical tour de force, setting new benchmarks in noise floor, distortion, and phase accuracy.

Design and Usability Upgrades

Beyond sonic improvements, the 717 introduces practical features:

• Front panel mute and input selection buttons
• Stereo, mono, and bi-amp operation modes
• Remote-controlled mode switching

Note, though, that it runs hotter than its predecessors due to heavy Class A biasing—a sign of its uncompromising dedication to sound quality.

Listening to the 717: A New Audio Dimension

Listening sessions with the 717 confirmed a profound leap forward. The music wasn't just detailed—it felt complete. Instruments gained weight and substance; every note had palpable presence and texture.

Take Dean Martin’s vocals, for example — richer, more dimensional, and full of life. The soundstage expanded with improved tonal density, delivering an immersive experience that transports you straight into the studio or concert hall.

Durational Completeness: The Secret Ingredient

One of the most captivating traits of the 717 is its handling of note duration. Bass notes, for instance, aren’t cut short or truncated; their full journey from attack to decay is delivered faithfully.

This subtle yet crucial aspect makes instruments feel physically real and structurally whole — an elusive quality that few amplifiers capture.

Detail Without Losing the Forest for the Trees

Unlike many high-res amplifiers that dissect detail to the point of distraction, the 717 integrates subtle textures — like finger movements on strings — naturally into the music. They're there, clearly audible, but never exaggerated or isolated.

The result? Listening that’s engaging, lifelike, and utterly immersive.

Where Precision Meets Musicality

The 717’s sonic magic is powered by:

• Reduced phase distortion for coherent sound
• Heavy Class A operation for purity
• Ultra-low noise floor preserving fine detail

These combine to create a sound that feels effortless and natural, where detail enriches the whole rather than stealing focus.

Massive Soundstage and Scale

With remarkable channel separation, jaw-dropping power, and pristine signal-to-noise ratio, the 717 shines with large orchestras and ensembles.

Expect expansive soundstages layered with depth, air, and realism that seem to transport the listener inside the music itself.

Final Thoughts: A Benchmark Amplifier

The Soulution 717 is, without doubt, one of the most lifelike solid-state amplifiers I've ever experienced. It boasts:

• Flawless durational accuracy
• Three-dimensional imaging
• Tonal richness and depth
• Power and speed on demand
• A holistic approach to detail

This isn’t just a step forward—it’s a redefinition of what solid-state amplification can achieve.

Specifications & Pricing

• Power consumption: < 0.5W standby, 300W idle, 1600W max
• Inputs: 2x balanced (XLR)
• Input impedance: 4.4M ohms balanced
• Outputs: Two pairs Cu-terminal, gold-plated
• Gain: +26dB
• Power output (Stereo/Dual): 150Wpc @ 8Ω, 300Wpc @ 4Ω, 600Wpc @ 2Ω
• Power output (Mono): 600Wpc @ 8Ω, 1200Wpc @ 4Ω, 2400Wpc @ 2Ω (AC Power dependent)
• Pulse power: >6000W
• Frequency response (–3dB): 0–2MHz
• Phase shift (@20kHz): <0.2°
• THD + N: <0.0001% at 50W @ 4Ω (20Hz–20kHz)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: >120dB (150W @ 8Ω, 20Hz–20kHz)
• Spot noise (input-related): <–165dBV/√Hz (20Hz–20kHz)
• Channel separation: >120dB @ 1kHz
• Damping factor: >10,000
• Max output current: 32A (limited)
• Dimensions: 480 x 350 x 505mm
• Weight: Approx. 50 kg
• Price: $129,975

JV’s Reference System Highlights

• Loudspeakers: MBL 101 X-Treme MKII, Magico S5 2024, Metaxas & Sins Emperor, Magnepan LRS+, 1.7i, 30.7
• Subwoofers: JL Audio Gotham (pair), Magico S Sub (pair)
• Linestage Preamps: Soulution 727 linestage preamplifier, Audio Research Corporation Reference 10 linestage preamplifier, MBL 6010 D, Siltech SAGA System C1, Vitus Audio SL-103, JMF Audio PRS 1.5
• Phonostage Preamps: Soulution 757 phonostage preamplifier, DS Audio Grand Master EQ
• Power Amplifiers: Audio Research Corporation 330M, Soulution 717 power amplifier, Vitus Audio SM-103 Mk.II, JMF Audio HQS 7001, Soulution 711 power amplifier, MBL 9008 A, Siltech SAGA System V1/P1, Odyssey Audio Stratos
• Analog Sources: Clearaudio Master Innovation, Acoustic Signature Invictus Neo/T-10000 Neo, TW Acustic Black Knight/TW Raven 10.5
• Tape Decks: United Home Audio Ultima Apollo, Metaxas & Sins Tourbillon and Papillon, Analog Audio Design TP-1000
• Phono Cartridges: DS Audio Grand Master EX, DS Audio Grand Master, DS Audio DS-W3, Clearaudio Goldfinger Statement v2.1, Air Tight Opus 1, Ortofon MC Anna, Ortofon MC A90
• Digital Sources: Kalista Mantax and DreamPlay XC, MBL C41, MSB Reference DAC, Soulution 760, Berkeley Alpha DAC 2
• Cables & Interconnects: Synergistic Research Galileo SRX (2023), Crystal Cable Art Series da Vinci, Crystal Cable Ultimate Dream
• Power Cords: Crystal Cable Art Series da Vinci, Crystal Cable Ultimate Dream, Synergistic Research Galileo SRX 2023
• Power Conditioners: AudioQuest Niagara 5000 (two), Synergistic Research Galileo SX
• Room Treatments & Accessories: Critical Mass Systems MAXXUM/QXK racks, Synergistic Research Vibratron SX, Stein Music H2 Harmonizer, Shakti Hallographs, Zanden Acoustic panels, A/V Room Services Metu panels, ASC Tube Traps, DS Audio ES-001/ION-001, Stein Music Pi Carbon Signature mat, Symposium platforms and Fat Padz, Clearaudio Double Matrix Professional Sonic cleaner

FAQ

• How does the 717 handle heat given its Class A biasing?
  The 717 runs hotter than previous models due to heavy Class A bias but uses efficient cooling design to maintain reliability.
• What makes the 717 different from the 710 and 711 models?
  The 717 is a complete redesign with wider bandwidth, improved noise performance, and new power supplies offering greater current and precision.
• Can the 717 be used in mono or bi-amp configurations?
  Yes, it supports stereo, mono, and bi-amp modes for flexible system integration.
• What is the significance of the 2MHz bandwidth?
  It allows feedback loops to operate without timing errors, drastically reducing distortion and enabling ultra-transparent sound.
• Is the 717 suitable for large speaker loads?
  Absolutely—its high current delivery and damping factor make it ideal for demanding loudspeaker setups.

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